description Austen Henry Layard Overview
Austen Henry Layard (1817–1894) was a British traveller, archaeologist, and diplomat who excavated the Neo-Assyrian sites of Nimrud and Nineveh between 1845 and 1851. Working with Hormuzd Rassam, he uncovered the palaces of Ashurnasirpal II at Nimrud and Sennacherib at Nineveh, sending the famous lamassu (winged bull) sculptures and the Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser III to the British Museum. He later served as a Liberal MP and as British ambassador to Madrid.
insights Ranking position
Austen Henry Layard ranks #73 of 177 in the Archaeologist ranking, behind Gertrude Bell, ahead of O.G.S. Crawford.
help Austen Henry Layard FAQ
What ancient cities did Austen Henry Layard excavate?
Austen Henry Layard is most famous for his excavations of the ancient Assyrian cities of Nimrud and Nineveh in the 1840s. His most celebrated discovery at Nineveh was the palace of King Ashurbanipal.
Where can I see the artifacts discovered by Austen Henry Layard?
The vast majority of the massive stone reliefs, statues, and artifacts unearthed by Layard were shipped to the British Museum in London. They form the core of the museum's famous Assyrian collection.
Did Austen Henry Layard have a career outside of archaeology?
Yes, later in his life, Layard transitioned from archaeology into a highly successful political and diplomatic career. He eventually served as the British Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire based in Constantinople.
Why is Austen Henry Layard important to the study of Assyriology?
He is considered a foundational figure in Assyriology because his 19th-century fieldwork uncovered the lost sites of major Mesopotamian empires. These discoveries helped historians piece together the history, art, and languages of ancient Assyria.
explore Explore More
Similar to Austen Henry Layard
See all arrow_forward
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
